One-to-many electronic signature process

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the invention include methods and systems for electronically signing a plurality of documents, such as an insurance application, a loan application, a set of mortgage papers, a bank application, or the like. A customer, or multiple customers, electronically submits the signature once and the customer&#39;s one signature is applied to all of the areas where the customer signature is required. The electronic signature may include initials and/or a graphical representation of the customer&#39;s handwritten signature. Aspects of the invention include an apparatus comprising a display, a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory and programmed with computer-executable instructions that, when executed, perform a method for electronically signing a plurality of documents.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/083,580, filed on Jul. 25, 2008, which application isincorporated by reference herein and made a part hereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to electronic signatures. Morespecifically, the invention provides methods and systems forelectronically signing a plurality of documents, such as an insuranceapplication, a loan application, a set of mortgage papers, a bankapplication, or the like. A customer electronically signs his or hersignature once and the one captured signature is applied to all of theareas where the customer signature is required.

BACKGROUND

Currently, when a customer is filling out an insurance application orsigning a set of mortgage papers, the customer will have to sign his orher name many different times on many different forms in order tocomplete the application or mortgage process. Also, with technologicaladvances the application process is becoming more of an online process,as opposed to a paper process. However, the signature process is stillprimarily completed on paper, which is known as a wet signature.Electronic signatures are known in the art and are currently being usedwith credit card purchases and other one-time signature methods.

The current online application process is normally completed by theinsurance agent with the help of the customer. Once the onlineapplication is completed, the agent then generates the required formsalong with a fax cover sheet with a barcode. The generated onlineapplication is generally in PDF or other electronic paper format. Theagent then prints off the PDF version of the application for thecustomer to wet sign. The agent obtains all the required wet signaturesfrom the customer. This process can require a number of wet signaturesby a single customer as well as multiple signatures from multiplecustomers. The customer may also need to wet initial many differentareas in order to meet the application requirements.

Once the agent has the wet signatures, the agent indicates through thesystem that the wet signatures are in hand and acknowledges the legalagreement online. The agent will then initiate the submission action tostart the data collection feed. Following the submission of theapplication online, the agent then faxes the fully wet signedapplication forms with the fax data cover sheet. The cover sheet isnormally required to be faxed along with the online application forms inorder to provide a tracking mechanism for the company and agent.

This same current process as described above can be very similar forother processes which require multiple forms and multiple signatures forcompletion, such as a mortgage application, bank application, loanapplication, or other more complicated financial transactions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order toprovide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or todelineate the scope of the invention. The following summary merelypresents some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description provided below.

To overcome limitations in the prior art described above, and toovercome other limitations that will be apparent upon reading andunderstanding the present specification, the present invention isdirected to methods and systems for providing a one-to-many electronicsignature process.

A first aspect of the invention provides a method of electronicallysigning a plurality of documents. The method comprises a step ofreceiving the plurality of documents ready for signature by a customerand an additional step of displaying the plurality of documents to thecustomer for review. The method comprises a step of receiving anapproval by the customer to electronically sign the plurality ofdocuments. The method further includes collecting an electronicsignature from the customer. The method finally includes applying theelectronic signature to the plurality of documents.

A second aspect of the invention further includes the above describedaspect of the method of electronically signing a plurality of documents,wherein the plurality of documents may comprise an insurance applicationor a set of mortgage papers.

In another aspect of the invention, the electronic signature may includea graphical representation of the customer's handwritten (wet)signature. The electronic signature may also comprise initials.

An additional aspect of the invention further includes the abovedescribed aspect of the method of electronically signing a plurality ofdocuments, wherein the method further comprises the step of collectingan electronic signature from an agent and applying the agent's signatureto one or more of the plurality of documents. Also, the method mayfurther comprise the step of collecting an electronic signature from asecond customer and applying the second customer's electronic signatureto one or more of the plurality of documents. There may be any number ofcustomers who need to sign one or more of the plurality of documents,which may be any number of one or more customers.

An additional embodiment of the invention provides a method ofelectronically signing an insurance application. The method ofelectronically signing an insurance application comprises the steps of:receiving the insurance application, displaying the insuranceapplication to a customer for review, collecting an electronic signaturefrom the customer, receiving an approval by the customer toelectronically sign the insurance application, applying the customer'selectronic signature to each of the signature areas for the customer onthe insurance application, collecting an electronic signature from theagent, applying the agent's electronic signature to each of thesignature areas for the agent on the insurance application, andsubmitting the insurance application. The insurance application shouldbe completed and ready for signature by the customer. Also, theinsurance application includes a plurality of forms with a plurality ofsignatures for the customer and the agent. The electronic signatureincludes a graphical representation of the customer's handwrittensignature. The electronic signature may also include initials.

Another embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus including adisplay, a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory and programmedwith computer-executable instructions for performing a method thatincludes receiving a plurality of documents ready for signature by acustomer, displaying the plurality of documents for review, collectingan electronic signature from the customer, receiving an approval by thecustomer to electronically sign the plurality of documents, and applyingthe customer's electronic signature to the plurality of documents.

An additional aspect of the invention provides an apparatus including adisplay, a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory and programmedwith computer-executable instructions for performing a method includingreceiving the insurance application, displaying the insuranceapplication to a customer for review, collecting an electronic signaturefrom the customer, receiving an approval by the customer toelectronically sign the insurance application, applying the customer'selectronic signature to each of the signature areas for the customer onthe insurance application, collecting an electronic signature from theagent, applying the agent's electronic signature to each of thesignature areas for the agent on the insurance application, andsubmitting the insurance application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention and theadvantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the followingdescription in consideration of the accompanying drawings, in which likereference numbers indicate like features, and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an operating environment for implementing one or moreillustrative aspects of the invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict an illustrative flowchart of a method forimplementing one or more illustrative aspects of the invention;

FIGS. 3-9 show illustrative screen shots according to one or moreillustrative aspects of the invention;

FIG. 10 depicts the electronic signature process of overlaying thesignature onto the form according to one or more illustrative aspects ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description of the various embodiments, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and inwhich is shown by way of illustration various embodiments in which theinvention may be practiced. It is to be understood that otherembodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modificationsmay be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Illustrative Operating Environment

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a suitable computing system environment100 that may be used according to one or more illustrative embodimentsof the invention. The computing system environment 100 is only oneexample of a suitable computing environment and is not intended tosuggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of theinvention. The computing system environment 100 should not beinterpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any oneor combination of components illustrated in the computing systemenvironment 100.

The invention is operational with numerous other general purpose orspecial purpose computing system environments or configurations.Examples of well known computing systems, environments, and/orconfigurations that may be suitable for use with the invention include,but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-heldor laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems,set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs,minicomputers, mainframe computers, automated teller machines (ATMs),distributed computing environments that include any of the above systemsor devices, and the like.

Aspects of the invention may be described in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Aspects ofthe invention may also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotecomputer storage media including memory storage devices.

With reference to FIG. 1, the computing system environment 100 mayinclude a computing device 101 having a processor 103 for controllingoverall operation of the computing device 101 and its associatedcomponents, including RAM 105, ROM 107, communications module 109, andmemory 115. Computing device 101 typically includes a variety ofcomputer readable media. Computer readable media may be any availablemedia that may be accessed by the computing device 101. The media mayinclude both volatile and nonvolatile media, and/or removable andnon-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computerreadable media may comprise computer storage media and communicationmedia. Computer storage media include volatile and nonvolatile, and/orremovable and non-removable media implemented in any method ortechnology for storage of information such as computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computerstorage media may include, but are not limited to, random access memory(RAM), read only memory (ROM), electronically erasable programmable readonly memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM,digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store thedesired information and that can be accessed by computing device 101.Communication media typically embody computer readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includeany information delivery media. The modulated data signal is a signalthat has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such amanner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, andnot limitation, communication media include wired media such as a wirednetwork or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic,RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the aboveshould also be included within the scope of computer readable media.Although not shown, RAM 105 may include one or more applicationsrepresenting the application data stored in RAM memory 105 while thecomputing device is on and corresponding software applications (e.g.,software tasks), are running on the computing device 101.

Communications module 109 may include a microphone, keypad, touchscreen, signature pad and/or stylus through which a user of computingdevice 101 may provide input, and may also include one or more of aspeaker for providing audio output and a video display device 111 forproviding textual, audiovisual and/or graphical output. Thecommunications module 109 may include multiple devices to provide inputto the computing device 101. Software may be stored within the memory115 in order to provide instructions to the processor 103 for enablingthe computing device 101 to perform various functions. For example, thememory 115 may store software used by the computing device 101, such asan operating system 117, application programs 119, and a data store 121.Alternatively, some or all of the computer executable instructions forcomputing device 101 may be embodied in hardware or firmware (notshown). As described in detail below, the data store 121 may providecentralized storage of account information and account holder orcustomer information for the entire business, allowing interoperabilitybetween different elements of the business residing at differentphysical locations. In some embodiments, the data store 121 may bephysically located external to memory 115. For example, the data store121 may be an enterprise database located at computing device 151.

Computing device 101 may operate in a networked environment supportingconnections to one or more remote computing devices, such as branchterminals 141 and 151. The branch computing devices 141 and 151 may bepersonal computing devices or servers that include many or all of theelements described above relative to the computing device 101. Thenetwork connections depicted in FIG. 1 include a local area network(LAN) 125 and a wide area network (WAN) 129, but may also include othernetworks. When used in a LAN networking environment, computing device101 is connected to the LAN 125 through a network interface or adapterin the communications module 109. When used in a WAN networkingenvironment, the server 101 may include a modem in the communicationsmodule 109 or other means for establishing communications over the WAN129, such as the Internet 131. It will be appreciated that the networkconnections shown are illustrative and other means of establishing acommunications link between the computing devices may be used. Theexistence of any of various well-known protocols such as TCP/IP,Ethernet, FTP, HTTP and the like is presumed, and the system can beoperated in a client-server configuration to permit a user to retrieveweb pages from a web-based server. Any of various conventional webbrowsers can be used to display and manipulate data on web pages.

Additionally, an application program 119 used by the computing device101 according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention may includecomputer executable instructions for invoking user functionality relatedto communication, such as email, short message service (SMS), and voiceinput and speech recognition applications.

One-To-Many Electronic Signature Process

Generally, aspects of the one-to-many electronic signature processimprove efficiency and quality of document signing processes between acustomer and an agent. “One-to-many” refers to a concept that oneelectronic signature is obtained from or required by the customer oragent and then this electronic signature is used with or applied to manydocuments or forms in order to complete the electronic signatureprocess. Aspects of the inventive electronic signature processes reducethe time of the signing of documents, while also minimizing the numberof errors during the signature process. As used herein, an electronicsignature may include an electronic representation of a person'shandwritten (wet) signature, or may include any other legally acceptableelectronic signature. Documents, as referred to throughout thisapplication, may include a set of multiple forms or applications, whichmay require multiple signatures. The one-to-many electronic signatureprocess may apply to documents which may include insurance applications,mortgage applications or papers, home equity applications, bankapplications, car loan applications, or other complex financialapplication processes. Additionally, there may be various roles withinthe one-to-many electronic signature process. The agent, who may also bereferred to as a producer, or manager, is the person who meets with thecustomers, collects the data, and generally fills out the documents forthe customers. The customer is any person (other than the agent) whoneeds to sign the documents. The customer could be the primary person,but the customer may also include a beneficiary or a secondary loansigner or the like.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict an illustrative method for the one-to-manyelectronic signature process. The method of FIGS. 2A and 2B will bedescribed further in the following illustrative embodiment using aninsurance application as the illustrative document.

In one embodiment of the present invention, in a first step 202, a userfills out the on-line application. This may be performed by the agent orthe customer, or both, depending or based on any restrictions put inplace by a corporate or governmental entity. Also, the customer may fillout the application on-line or portions of the application on-line andsubmit this to the agent over a network, such as the interne. Followingthis step, including any iterations of this step to complete any missinginformation, the application is completed and ready for signatures.

In a next step 204, the system, or computing device 101, verifies thatthe application has been completed adequately. The system then may allowthe user to proceed with the process by enabling the electronicsignature submission method. Optionally, an agent might choose a type ofapplication to be completed, where multiple types of applications mightbe offered.

In a next step 206, the user chooses the application submission methodof electronic signature. If the agent or customer is not prepared tosubmit the application with electronic signature, the user may select tosubmit the application by fax with the manual signatures as is currentlyperformed. Also with this step, the agent and/or customer may bereminded that these applications may be sent electronically to thefinancial institution with no requirement to print and fax theapplications. The agent and customer may also be reminded that thecustomers sign the applications with an electronic signature pad andthat a signature pad that has been approved for operation with thefinancial institution is required. The agent may test the signature padto ensure that the signature pad has been approved for operations withthe financial institution and to verify the signature pad is workingproperly. Approval may be based on interoperable communicationsprotocols, sufficient security standards, and the like.

In a next step 208, the system displays electronic signature consentlanguage to the customer or customers. The consent language operates asthe customer's authorization to apply a singly inputted electronicsignature to the multiple signature instances for that user in the setof documents. In addition, if the customer has more than one role in thetransaction (e.g., borrower, beneficiary, guarantor, etc.), thecustomer's roles may be combined and only one consent section might bedisplayed for each customer. The agent may or may not need to consent toeach transaction. Optionally, the agent may read the consent language tothe customer(s) or allow the customer to read it on the display.Illustrative consent language (for an insurance application, in thisexample) might include the following: “In completing your applicationfor insurance, electronic documents and electronic signatures may beutilized in this process. You will be provided with customer copies andhave a right to request and receive a printed copy of any electronicdocument you sign. Do you consent to the use of such electronicdocuments and electronic signatures in the completion of yourapplication? NOTE: Your signatures/initials will not be used for anypurpose other than on the required forms.” Bold-faced type may be usedas applicable.

In a next step 210, the agent collects the consent to electronicsignature for each applicable person in the signature process. Eachcustomer signing the application must agree to the conditions listed inorder to submit the application using electronic signature. The customermay be given the option of selecting either: “I CONSENT to useElectronic Signature” or “I DO NOT CONSENT to use Electronic Signature.”Each customer indicates whether or not the customer will consent to signelectronically. The customer may only have to indicate consent once,even if the customer has more than one role on the application (e.g.,owner and primary insured, beneficiary, etc.). The process may requirethe customer to actually click the consent indicator and not allow theagent to perform this for the customer. Alternatively, the customermight sign a paper document with a wet signature indicating consent toelectronic signatures.

Following the electronic signature consent, in a step 212, the agentdisplays a listing of the forms that require the customer's signaturewith a link to view each form. All forms generated for the applicationshould be available for the customer to view, whether or not the formrequires a signature. Next to each form, there may be a column whichlists whose signatures are required for each form, optionally alsoindicating the role of each person signing the document. This column mayinclude the customer, the agent, or any of the other customers or thirdparties (e.g., parent/legal guardian(s), spouse of owner of policy beingreplaced, and witness) that may be required to sign each form. Also,initially, there may be a status indicator next to each form statingthat the form has not been viewed. The status indicator may changethroughout the process from “Not Viewed” to “Viewed” to “Signed.” Theelectronic signature may be collected after the customer has viewed allforms that require that person's signature, thereby ensuring that thecustomer is aware of all of the documents to which his signature will beapplied.

In the next step 214, the agent or customer may click on a formtype/name in order to open the PDF file in a separate viewer. The systemmay display the form with the customer data in a new window. The systemmay print “VOID”, “DRAFT”, or “VOID-DRAFT”, or the like, in a policynumber box on each form. The agent may review the form with the customerto ensure that the customer understands the form and answers anyquestions the customer has about the form. For the lines where thesignatures are required, a “Signature to be applied here” may beinserted on the line for the form that is reviewed. Once the form hasbeen viewed, the indicator next to the form may now display that theform has been viewed. The agent and customer repeat this process foreach form that requires the customer's signature.

In step 216, once the agent and customer have viewed all of the formswhere signature is required for a specific customer and that customerhas consented to electronic signature, the system may enable thatspecific customer to collect an electronic signature. However, even ifthe agent views all the forms where the agent's signature is required,the system might not allow the agent to sign until all customersignatures have been collected.

In step 218, the agent may initiate the process to collect a customer'selectronic signature. On the Collect Signature page, the system mayallow the agent or customer the ability to view forms on this page;however, this is primarily for convenience and might not be arequirement to signing. Those forms that require the customer'ssignature may be listed following the illustrative terminology: “Yoursignature will be applied to the following forms.” The agent may reviewthe signature language with the customer. Following the review of thesignature language, the agent and customer are ready to electronicallysign the application. Illustrative signature language might include “I,[Customer], hereby attest that I am the party signing off on thisapplication for insurance. I attest that I was the person whoelectronically clicked ‘I Agree’ or ‘Apply Signature’ on all portions ofthis application where my signature was required. I also consent to theuse of such electronic documents and electronic signatures in thecompletion of this application.”

In step 220, in order to electronically collect the signature, thecustomer or agent may click the “Sign” button. Then, using theelectronic signature pad, the customer may sign his or her name byapplying a signature imprint on the signature pad, where the imprint maybe made with a stylus or other pen-like instrument and may represent thecustomer's signature or initials. Following the customer's signature,the customer may select another button, such as “Capture,” in order tosave the signature. The customer also has the ability to select a buttonsuch as “Cancel” or “Clear” in order to erase the signature and startagain. When the customer and/or agent are satisfied with the signature,the agent or customer will select a button such as, “Apply Signature” toapply the signature to each of the forms and to return to the previouspage. When the signature has been captured and applied, a status mayappear for the signature indicating that the signature has beencollected on a specific date. Additionally, the signature pad may becommunicatively connected to the system in order to send the capturedimprint or signature.

In the next step 222, the same steps as described for 220 may occur,except that the customer or agent may enter their initials instead oftheir signature. Also, those forms that require initials only may belisted following the illustrative terminology: “Your initials will beapplied to the following forms.”

For each customer that is required to sign the application, steps212-222 may be repeated in order to allow the second (or third, orfourth, etc.) customer to consent to electronic signature, view all therequired forms, and capture the electronic signature. If a witnesssignature is required, the system may disable the witness' signingfunctionality until all other customers have signed. Then, the witnesswill follow steps 212-222 to consent to electronic signature, view therequired forms, and capture the electronic signature or initials.

Once the agent has collected a signature for each customer, includingthe witness (if applicable or required), and the agent has viewed all ofthe agent's required forms, the system allows the agent to sign, ifneeded. In step 224, the system displays the agent's role and name andprompts the agent to sign on the signature pad. In order toelectronically collect the agent's signature, the agent may click the“Sign” button. Then, using the electronic signature pad, the agent maysign his or her name. Following the agent's signature, the agent mayselect another button, such as “Capture” in order to save the signature.The agent also has the ability to select a button such as “Cancel” or“Clear” in order to erase the signature and start again. When the agentis satisfied with the signature, the agent will select a button such as,“Apply Signature” to apply the agent's signature to each of the forms onwhich the agent is to sign and to return to the previous page. When thesignature has been captured and applied, a status may appear for thesignature indicating that the signature has been collected on a specificdate.

Once all required signatures are collected, in step 226, the systemallows the agent to submit the application. The agent may be required toagree to a statement prior to submitting the application. The “submit”functionality might not be enabled until the agent agrees to thestatement. An illustrative statement may include “By clicking Submit, Ihereby represent and attest to [financial institution] that I haveprovided all disclosures and notices to the applicant(s) as required by[financial institution]. I have completely reviewed the application andeach form with the applicants(s) and any other signing parties. Ifurther attest that each party signed on their own behalf and appliedtheir own signature to the application and related forms.”

The agent then may submit the application. FIG. 10 depicts anillustrative example of a customer's handwritten signature 1000 overlaidas an electronic signature 1002 onto a blank signature area 1004 on theplurality of forms 1006 as described herein. Following the submission ofthe application, in step 228, the system overlays the electronicsignatures 1002 onto the required forms 1006. During step 228, theelectronic signature 1002 may include a graphical representation of thecustomer's handwritten signature 1000 from the signature pad in step220. The graphical representation of the customer's handwrittensignature 1000 may be in any of a variety of formats (e.g., .pdf, .tif,.png, or .jpg or other similar file) which can be overlaid onto thesignature area 1004 of the required signature forms 1006. For example,any file format that supports alpha transparency may be used, or anyother format that allows a graphical image to be overlaid on top of apreexisting document. The system may automatically prefill the datefield on each of the signature pages and areas. The system may alsoinsert a policy number for each of the forms for the application. Thesystem may then permanently lock the application and all signatures.Permanently locking the application may mean that the agent can nolonger modify any of the consent and/or signatures that were collected,nor can the agent unlock the application or opt out to a regularsignature. Also, the forms that can be viewed are now the final formswith signatures, dates, and a policy number. After the signatures 1002have been overlaid onto the required forms 1006, the system may deletethe electronic signatures 1002 that were collected and stored. Thesystem may perform this deletion for security reasons in order toprevent fraud or signature piracy (i.e., to prevent someone fromapplying a captured signature 1002 to any other documents).

In the final step 230, the agent is able to view and print theapplication forms that were submitted. The system prints the customercopies of the application with the signature in PDF or similar format,or to paper for physical storage.

Some steps in the aforementioned process may be optional, while othersmay be further divided into further substeps than described above. Inaddition, various steps may be performed in other than their recitedorder where a previous step is not required to perform another step.

Illustrative Business Rules Associated with the Process

The following is a table of sample business rules that may be used withthe electronic signature process. Any of these business rules may beused for the electronic signature process, from none to all of them.Also, these business rules may be changed or modified depending on thebusiness needs and the needs for the electronic signature process.

Related Step Number from FIGS. Rule # Business Rule Description 2A & 2B1 Request consent to electronic signature prior to 208 collectingsignatures on application forms. 2 Electronic signature consent can becollected once 210 per person (not once per role). 3 Electronicsignature consent can be collected by 210 clicking instead of signing. 4Screen must display the role and name of the 218 person signing. 5 Donot allow submission until customer copies are 224 rendered. 6 Providethe option to print the entire application 230 package with signatures.7 Provide the ability to save forms as incomplete Any step (somesignatures obtained, some outstanding). 8 Provide the ability for eachcustomer to sign 220 once and apply to all forms. 9 Signatures can becollected once per person 220-230 (not once per role). 10 Request afinal authorization for both customers 226 and agent indicating theparty applied his own signatures. 11 Print some text in the policynumber box of 214 each “draft” form indicating that the forms are notfinal and should not be sent to the financial institution. 12 If anyinsured (primary or additional/joint) 218 is younger than 18 but olderthan 14, request both the insured's signature and a parent/legalguardian signature. 13 If any insured (primary or additional/joint) 218is younger than 15, request only the parent/legal guardian's signature.The insured is not required to sign. 14 Ensure the agent signs last. 22415 Ensure the witness signs after all other 220 customers but prior tothe agent to ensure that the witness views the customer signatures. 16Only allow three minor insureds for electronic 206 signature. If thereare four minor insureds, do not allow the agent to use electronicsignature. 17 Once the application packet with signatures is 228generated, the application should be locked. The agent should not beable to change data or re-collect signatures. 18 The agent might alsoconsent to electronic 210 signature. 19 Signatures can only be reducedto 60% of the 228 original size. 20 In certain scenarios, a party to theapplication can be an entity. The system should collect 210, 220 consentand signature/initials from parties that are both entities andindividuals.

Additional Embodiments

The application (or other documents) may be saved and closed by theagent at any time during the process. The system may save the incompleteapplication and any signatures already collected and then the system mayclose the application window.

There are times when not all customers are available for electronicsignature at the same time. In that instance, the following processsteps may occur. First, in step 210, the agent may leave the unavailablecustomer's consent unspecified. In step 220, the system might not allowthe unavailable customer to sign electronically even if the customer'srequired forms were viewed because the customer has not given hisconsent in the previous step 210. The agent may review the forms andcollect signatures of available customers as in the previously describedprocess in steps 212-222. The agent may then save and close theapplication. When the remaining customer is available, the agent mayre-open the application and navigate to the consent page. The agent maythen complete the consent for the remaining customer as described instep 210. The agent may then review the forms and collect the signatureof the remaining customer as described in steps 212-222. If any changesare made to the documents, the previously signing customer's signaturemay be automatically removed, such that every customer must re-sign whenany changes are made.

A separate electronic signature consent authorization form may be usedin addition to or as a replacement for the consent received in steps208-210. The electronic signature consent authorization form may be anactual form that must be wet signed by all customers involved as well asthe agent. The electronic signature consent authorization form may thenbe part of the submission package by the agent to the financialinstitution.

Illustrative User Interface

FIGS. 3-9 depict a set of illustrative user interface screens whichrepresent an aspect of the invention. These figures are onlyillustrative user interface screens and a wide range and variety of userinterface screens may be possible for this invention.

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative user interface screen for choosing theapplication submission method 300. The Application Submission Methodscreen 300 may be used by the agent to select a “Submit with ElectronicSignature” button 302 in order to submit the application with electronicsignature. The agent may also select a “Submit Application by Fax”button 304 in order to submit the application by fax. The agent may alsotest the signature pad on the Application Submission Method screen 300by selecting a “Test your signature pad now” link 306. The ApplicationSubmission Method screen 300 may be selected during step 206 from FIG.2A.

On FIG. 3, a status bar 250 is shown. The status bar 250 includes thestatus of the application throughout the process and may be shown oneach of the user interface screens. On the Application Submission Methodscreen 300, the status bar shows the status of the completion of theonline application which may include: policy information, primaryinsured, owner/payor, additional/joint insured, children insured,beneficiaries, health information, other insurance, payment information,agent remarks, and agent report.

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative user interface screen for indicating theconsent to use electronic signature 400. The Customer Consent screen 400may be used to indicate the customer's consent to use electronicsignature. The customer may select an “I CONSENT to use ElectronicSignature” button 402 to indicate the customer's consent. The customermay also select an “I DO NOT CONSENT to use Electronic Signature” button404 to indicate that the customer does not consent to using theelectronic signature. The Customer Consent screen 400 may be used duringsteps 208 and 210 from FIG. 2A.

On the Customer Consent screen 400, the status bar 250 shows the statusof the electronic signature process which may include: owner consent,primary insured consent, view and sign forms (owner, primary insured,and agent), and submit. The Your Help section is also available onstatus bar 250, which may include: test signature pad, submitapplication by fax, unlock application, LRN, and FAQs.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict an illustrative user interface screen to view andsign forms and to collect signatures. In the View & Sign Form section500, a table lists the available forms for the customer to view. Thetable may contain the following columns: a “Form #” column 502, a “FormName” column 504, a “Signature Required” column 506, and a “Form Status”column 508. The “Form #” column 502 lists the form numbers for each ofthe forms used with the application. The “Form Name” column 504 liststhe form names which may also be a hyperlink 510 to each of the forms.FIG. 5B depicts a form 530 opened in the separate window when thehyperlink 510 is clicked. A “Signature Required” column 506 lists theindividuals whose signature is required for each individual form, suchas Customer 1, Customer 2, or Agent. A “Form Status” column 508 listswhether the individual forms have been viewed as may be required by thesystem in order to electronically sign. The View and Sign Forms section500 may be used during steps 212 and 214 from FIG. 2A.

A Collect Signatures section 520 lists the different individuals thatmust electronically sign the application. After the customer views theappropriate forms requiring that customer's signature, a “Sign Forms”button 522 becomes active. The agent or customer may then click the“Sign Forms” button 522 in order to move to a Collect Signature userinterface screen 600. Also available on the Collect Signature section520 is the area for the agent to sign the forms. The agent's signaturemay be captured after all other signatures have already been captured.At this time, a “Sign Forms” button 524 for the agent will becomeactive. When the agent selects the “Sign Forms” button 524, the agentmay then electronically sign on the Collect Signature screen 600. TheCollect Signatures section 520 may be used during step 216 from FIG. 2A.

FIGS. 6A-6C depict illustrative user interface screens for collectingthe signature during the electronic signature process. The CollectSignature screen 600 may be used to collect the signature of thecustomer or agent during the electronic signature process. The customeror agent may review the forms in which the customer's signature will beplaced, where it states “Your signature will be applied to the followingforms:” 610. In this table, there are the following columns: “Form #”605, “Form Name” 606, and “Signature Required” 608.

FIG. 6A depicts the Collect Signature screen 600 with a “Sign” button602 active. During this step, the agent or customer may press the “Sign”button 602 when they are prepared to sign (or initial) on the signaturepad. Once the “Sign” button 602 is clicked or pressed, the signature padmay now be active and ready to collect signatures. A signature box 610may be blank at this point until the signature is captured from thesignature pad.

FIG. 6B depicts the Collect Signature screen 600 with a “Capture” button612. After the customer signs or initials on the signature pad, theagent or customer may click on the “Capture” button 612 in order to saveand collect that signature. At any point when the agent or customer ison the Collect Signature Screen 600, the agent or customer may select a“Cancel” button 603 which will cancel the electronic signature gatheringprocess. An agent or customer may want to select the “Cancel” button 603when, for example, the agent is having technical difficulties with thesignature pad.

FIG. 6C depicts the Collect Signature screen 600 with a signature 616inserted in the signature box 610, and a “Clear” button 614. Once the“Capture” button 612 from FIG. 6B is selected, the signature 616 iscaptured into the signature box 610. At this point, the customer mayselect the “Clear” button 614 in order to re-sign and clear the existingsignature 616 from the signature box 610. If the customer is satisfiedwith the signature 616, the agent or customer may select an “ApplySignature” button 618. Selecting the “Apply Signature” button 618applies the customer's signature to all forms in which the customer'ssignature is required. The Collect Signatures screen 600 may be usedduring steps 218 and 220 from FIG. 2B.

FIG. 7 depicts the View & Sign Forms section 500 and the CollectSignatures section 520 as in FIG. 5A following the collection of thesignatures from the customers and agents. In the View & Sign Formssection 500 and the “Form Status” column 508, the status may be changedfrom “Not Viewed” to “Viewed” or to “Signed.” Also, in the CollectSignatures section 520 and next to the “Sign Forms” buttons 522, 524,the status is listed as “Status: All Forms Signed” 702, 704.

FIG. 8 depicts an illustrative user interface screen of the SubmitApplication screen 800. On the Submit Application screen 800, the agentreads a submission statement 802. In order to submit the application,the agent must select an “I AGREE with the statements above” button 804.Once the “I AGREE with the statements above” button 804 is selected, thesystem overlays the captured signatures onto the forms requiringsignatures and a “Submit” button 806 may then be activated. The agent orcustomer may then select the “Submit” button 806 in order to submit theapplication. The Submit Application screen 800 includes a statement suchas: “You will not be able to make any changes to your application oncesubmit has been clicked.” The Submit Application screen 800 may be usedduring step 226 from FIG. 2B.

FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative user interface screen of the Confirmationscreen 900. On the Confirmation screen 900, the customer or agent isable to select a “View & Print Submitted Application” button 902. Afterthe “View & Print Submitted Application” button 902 is selected, thesystem may print the customer copies of the application with thesignature in PDF format. The Confirmation screen 900 may be used duringsteps 228 and 230 from FIG. 2B.

While illustrative embodiments described herein embody various aspectsare shown, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that theinvention is not limited to these embodiments. Modifications may be madeby those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoingteachings. For example each of the elements of the aforementionedembodiments may be utilized alone or in combination or sub-combinationswith the elements of the other embodiments. It will also be appreciatedand understood that modification may be made without departing from thetrue spirit and scope of the present intention. The description is thusto be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive on the presentintention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a display; a memory; anda processor coupled to the memory and programmed withcomputer-executable instructions that, when executed, perform a methodcomprising: electronically receiving a plurality of documents ready forsignature by a customer wherein the plurality of documents comprise aplurality of signature locations; displaying on the display theplurality of documents; collecting a single-inputted electronicsignature from the customer indicating the customer has reviewed andagrees with the plurality of documents, wherein the single-inputtedelectronic signature is utilized for the plurality of documents at theplurality of signature locations; receiving an approval by the customerto electronically sign the plurality of documents with thesingle-inputted electronic signature; and applying the single-inputtedelectronic signature to one or more of the plurality of documents at theplurality of signature locations.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of documents comprises an insurance application.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of documents comprises a setof mortgage papers.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the computerexecutable instructions further comprise submitting the plurality ofdocuments with the single-inputted electronic signature.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the single-inputted electronic signatureincludes a graphical representation of the customer's handwrittensignature.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the computer executableinstructions further comprise: collecting a single-inputted electronicsignature from an agent indicating the agent has reviewed and agreeswith the plurality of documents; and applying the agent'ssingle-inputted electronic signature to one or more of the plurality ofdocuments at the plurality of signature locations.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the computer executable instructions further comprise:collecting a single-inputted electronic signature from a second customerindicating the second customer has reviewed and agrees with theplurality of documents; and applying the second customer'ssingle-inputted electronic signature to one or more of the plurality ofdocuments at the plurality of signature locations.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the single-inputted electronic signature comprisesinitials.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a signaturepad having a signature area for receiving a handwritten signature,wherein collecting the single-inputted electronic signature furthercomprises detecting an imprint on the signature pad handwritten by thecustomer.
 10. A method of electronically signing documents, comprising:electronically receiving a plurality of documents ready for signature bya customer, wherein the plurality of documents comprise a plurality ofsignature locations; displaying on a display screen the plurality ofdocuments; collecting a single-inputted electronic signature from thecustomer indicating the customer has reviewed and agrees with theplurality of documents, wherein the single-inputted electronic signatureis utilized for the plurality of documents at the plurality of signaturelocations; receiving an approval by the customer to electronically signthe plurality of documents with the single-inputted electronicsignature; and applying the single-inputted electronic signature to oneor more of the plurality of documents at the plurality of signaturelocations.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality ofdocuments comprises an insurance application.
 12. The method of claim10, wherein the plurality of documents comprises a set of mortgagepapers.
 13. The method of claim 10, further comprising electronicallysubmitting the plurality of documents with the single-inputtedelectronic signature.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein thesingle-inputted electronic signature includes a graphical representationof the customer's handwritten signature.
 15. The method of claim 10,further comprising: collecting a single-inputted electronic signaturefrom an agent indicating the agent has reviewed and agrees with theplurality of documents; and applying the agent's single-inputtedelectronic signature to one or more of the plurality of documents at theplurality of signature locations.
 16. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising: collecting a single-inputted electronic signature from asecond customer indicating the second customer has reviewed and agreeswith the plurality of documents; and applying the second customer'ssingle-inputted electronic signature to one or more of the plurality ofdocuments at the plurality of signature locations.
 17. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the single-inputted electronic signature comprisesinitials.
 18. The method of claim 10, wherein collecting thesingle-inputted electronic signature further comprises detecting animprint on a signature pad having a signature area for the customer tohandwrite the imprint.
 19. A method for a customer and an agent toelectronically sign an insurance application comprising: electronicallyreceiving the insurance application, wherein the insurance applicationis completed and ready for signature by the customer, further whereinthe insurance application comprises a plurality of forms which comprisea plurality of signature locations; displaying on a display screen theinsurance application; collecting a single-inputted electronic signaturefrom the customer indicating the customer has reviewed and agrees withthe insurance application; receiving an approval by the customer toelectronically sign the insurance application with the single-inputtedelectronic signature; applying the single-inputted electronic signatureto one or more of the plurality of forms at the plurality of signaturelocations; collecting a single-inputted electronic signature from theagent indicating the agent has reviewed and agrees with the insuranceapplication; applying the agent's single-inputted electronic signatureto one or more of the plurality of forms at the plurality of signaturelocations; and submitting the insurance application.
 20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the single-inputted electronic signature includes agraphical representation of the customer's handwritten signature. 21.The method of claim 19, further comprising: collecting a single-inputtedelectronic signature from a second customer indicating the secondcustomer has reviewed and agrees with the insurance application; andapplying the second customer's single-inputted electronic signature toone or more of the plurality of forms at the plurality of signaturelocations.
 22. The method of claim 19, wherein the single-inputtedelectronic signature comprises initials.
 23. The method of claim 19,wherein collecting the single-inputted electronic signature furthercomprises detecting an imprint on a signature pad having a signaturearea for the customer to handwrite the imprint.